But Zook, the 15 year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, is proof that there is life in the old dog yet – thanks to his own specially adapted wheelchair.

Vets said Zook should be put to sleep after his back legs packed in.

But now he’s the sprightliest pooch on the block and a mini celeb after owner Sean Farrell got him the mobility chair.

Sean, 43, from Bartley Green, said: “He’s an old soldier and quite a celebrity where I live, everyone loves him.

“Girl after girl stops him for photos – he’s an absolute babe magnet!

“He’s known as ‘Zook The General’ because of his age. Older folks refer to him as The General.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

“He’s persevered through everything, it’s not been an easy few years, it must have been heartbreaking and very confusing.”

About two years ago Zook lost the use of his legs after they became weak due to spondylosis which affected his bones and pinched his spinal cord.

Sean, who works as a writer and has owned Zook since he was a pup, added: “He was such a playful and active dog. He was so fed up and looked pitiful, like he’d given up and I really didn’t know what to do.

“Two different vets said there was no cure and really the only option was termination! Looking at Zook’s sad face and stress I thought the same.

“Having then researched the condition a little I saw many dogs using wheelchair support and I decided to have him a bespoke wheelchair made.

“He took to it very well and absolutely loved it he had his life back, his mobility, happy face and appetite were back to normal.”

Zook in his wheelchair

Sean also decided to buy a small buggy to cart Zook around.

“He absolutely loves it,” said Sean. “When he sees me preparing his buggy he gets as excited as he used to when I picked up his collar and lead, he gets to see the world, gets to stimulate his brain out in the fresh air.”

The pair go everywhere together and Zook is taken for walks every day. He’s a regular at Edgbaston Reservoir, has been to Bournmouth Beach and even the Nightingale nightclub – for a daytime food festival.

Zook’s pluck has earned him the role of ambassador for a Stourbridge group called Room for One More Staffie Rescue.